From the Dalai Lama’s Little Book of Wisdom, Part Eight “Eight Verses on Transforming the Mind”
The next verse reads:
When I see beings of unpleasant character
Oppressed by some strong negativity and suffering,
May I hold them dear – for they are rare to find –
As if I have discovered a jewel treasure!
This verse refers to the special case of relating to people who are socially marginalized, perhaps because of their behavior, their appearance, their destitution, or on account of some illness. Whoever practices bodhichitta must take special care of these people, as if, on meeting them, you have found a real treasure. Instead of feeling repulsed, a true practitioner of these altruistic principles should engage and take on the challenge of relating. In fact, the way we interact with people of this kind could give great impetus to our spiritual practice.
I am glad to say I’ve heard that some Buddhist centers are beginning to apply Buddhist principles socially. For example I have heard of Buddhist centers involved in some form of spiritual education in prisons, where they give talks and offer counseling. I think this is a great example. It is of course deeply unfortunate when such people, particularly prisoners, feel rejected by society. Not only is it deeply painful for them, but also, from a broader point of view, it is a loss for society. We are not providing the opportunity for these people to make a constructive social contribution when they actually have the potential to do so. I therefore think it is important for society as a whole not to reject such individuals, but to embrace them and acknowledge the potential contribution they can make. In this way they will feel they have a place in society, and will begin to think they might perhaps have something to offer.”
Submitted by Donna Cattoti